Friday, October 22, 2010

Fantasy Files - Week 7

Welcome to my first weekly fantasy file. I’m here to offer my advice to the struggling fantasy owner, or to one who cannot decide to start or sit someone. Whether you choose to take my advice or not, I hope you continue to come back and read my posts.

QUARTERBACKS:

Matt Cassel KC – Start

Coming off a solid week against a bad Houston secondary, Cassel gets to play the 28th ranked pass defense of Jacksonville this week at home. Expect a good game.

Kevin Kolb PHI – Start

Finally looks like he is coming into his own this season. Likely won’t have DeSean Jackson this week, but Maclin had a big game last week and I can definitely see it happening again.

Matt Hasselbeck SEA – Start

Has been a consistent solid start all but one week this season. An unspectacular Arizona pass defense will allow him to make some big plays

Joe Flacco BAL – Sit

Tough call, but I'd advise you to sit him. There is nothing to fear in the Buffalo defense, but with a very bad rush defense, expect Baltimore to run all day on the Bills especially with two strong running backs.

Donovan McNabb WAS – Sit

Chicago’s pass defense has only given up 3 touchdowns all season. McNabb has been putting up big yards all season, and I wouldn’t doubt he does it again, but don’t expect him to score.

WIDE RECEIVERS:

Mike Wallace PIT – Start

Wallace is always a big play threat. With Big Ben back and with a full game under his belt, expect him to be able to hit Wallace down field a few times this week.

Terrell Owens CIN – Start

Actually having a really good season so far. Atlanta’s pass defense isn’t anything special. Expect him to have plenty of targets.

Deion Branch NWE – Start

Sure, San Diego has the top ranked pass defense, but they also haven’t faced any tough teams. Deion Branch, as we saw last week, is already back in sync with Tom Brady. I’d bet on another big game from him.

Patrick Crayton SDG – Start

Had a nice game last week. Gates is hurt. Floyd is hurt. Naanee is hurt. Expect him to see most of the targets from Rivers.

Hakeem Nicks NYG – Sit

Playing against a very good Dallas secondary. He is expected to play after missing a few practices this week with a hurt hamstring. Detroit knew how to slow him down last week; Dallas should be able to do the same.

Kenny Britt TEN – Sit

Britt has been very good lately, but he’s playing a good Philadelphia secondary. He was also in a bar fight early Friday morning and it is possible that the Titans may sanction him in some way. Not worth it.

RUNNING BACKS:

Ryan Torain WAS – Start

Looks like he has some sort of knee injury. Nothing too serious and he will play, but it may have been bad enough to hold him out of the 4th quarter of the Colts game last week. Chicago’s defense is only giving up 84 rushing yards per game, but is tied for the league worst in rushing touchdowns given up. If the Redskins are going to score, it’ll be Torain, but he may not have many yards. Not a bad flex start.

Willis McGahee BAL – Start

Another good flex start. Buffalo’s run defense is pitiful. Ray Rice will need a rest after running for so many yards on them. He’ll get some carries and probably a score.

Knowshon Moreno DEN – Start

Got himself back in the lineup last week. Not his strongest game, but I’d guess he has shaken off the rust now and facing a weak Oakland defense makes for an easy breakout game.

Danny Woodhead NWE – Start

I have always been a huge fan of Woodhead. Good to see him getting his chance, even if it is for the Patriots. Had a very good game last week and it looks like he’s going to be an essential part of this Patriots offense. He’s also eligible at wide receiver if needed.

Ronnie Brown MIA – Sit

Hasn’t been impressive this season and facing the top ranked rush defense in the league. Only play him if desperate with better backs on bye week.

Beanie Wells/Tim Hightower – Sit

Seattle has been great against the rush, and neither of these two has been spectacular this year. Even if you need them because players are on bye, there may be better options out there.

TIGHT ENDS:

Tony Moeaki KC – Start

Has been a very solid play each week and playing a Jacksonville defense that gives up a lot of receptions. If you need a tight end, he’s not a bad choice.

Kellen Winslow TB – Start

Actually available in a good amount of leagues. Has always been a great receiver and has a good matchup this week. I’d play him.

Antonio Gates SD – Iffy…

I say iffy because Gates is always a great start, but against what isn’t a terrible New England defense and missing practice all week (game time decision), may not be the safest play. If you have a good backup, give that guy a go.

DEFENSE:

San Francisco – Start

The Panthers cannot score. Doesn’t even matter how good the San Francisco defense is, they won’t be giving up many points. Matt Moore’s first start back too, I’d expect at least a couple turnovers.

New Orleans – Start

Always has the potential for big turnovers and scores. Colt McCoy making his second start with not much help around him. Threw two picks last week, will probably throw another two this week.

San Diego – Sit

New England’s high power offense will show everyone what this San Diego defense really is. They haven’t played any spectacular teams yet, but this is an offense they won’t be able to stop.

SPECIAL NOTES:

Pierre Garçon IND – Pick up ASAP

He was available in both of my leagues. Grab him if you can. No more Clark and Collie out for a few weeks. Garçon finally healthy again. Get him before someone else does.

Jabar Gaffney DEN – Pick up

Available in many leagues as well. Getting many targets and plenty of yards. Definitely solid enough for a flex play or a bench spot.

Christopher Ivory NO – Pick up

Had a big game last week. Until Pierre Thomas or Reggie Bush comes back, expect him to keep getting plenty of carries, especially this week against the Browns.

That’s about it for this week everyone. If you have anything you would like to share, any arguments, any agreements, any extra advice you would like to add, please feel free to leave some comments. I hope my advice helps some of you win your matchups this week. Best of luck to all my readers.

About Me

HUGE Jets fan, but also a huge sports fan. Currently a student at SUNY New Paltz majoring in Journalism with a concentration in Public Relations. Also a sports writer/intern for the Rockland County Times.
Please follow me on Twitter @DSpiegs311